NOLA Spots to Watch Derby Day
The Kentucky Derby has become an integral part of Southern culture, spanning far beyond your typical horse race.
The event is filled with bold fashion and blazing bets, heightening the stakes of this highly anticipated event. Whether you are preparing your bets or just in it for the vibes, the location where you watch the race will make or break your experience. While sitting in the stands is ideal, we've compiled a list of the best local bars where vibes are high and cocktails are delicious for your enjoyment this May 3.
Put on your favorite hat and in true New Orleans fashion don't skip out on this opportunity this May 3 for celebrating in style. From historic French Quarter bars to modern hotel lounges, this list holds it all.
1. Martine's Lounge
2347 Metairie Rd., (504) 831-8637
This neighborly bar in Old Metairie has a delicious assortment of cold beer, handcrafted cocktails, and fine wines for the perfect derby day. This will be your favorite friendly dive, with lots of bar games like darts and pinball curating the cozy atmosphere that lives inside. With inexpensive drinks and unique decor, Martine's Lounge is a hidden gem, with delicious specials such as their pulled pork quesadillas, that you won't want to miss.
2. Galatoire's 33
215 Bourbon St., (504) 335-3932
With its multiple TV screens, timeless look, and classic handcrafted cocktails, Galatoire's 33 offers an elevated yet animated environment for derby day. With a wide selection of fine wines and beer and large windows overlooking Bourbon Street, there couldn't be a better place for raising a glass for the horses as they race. Don't miss Galatoire 33's specialty cocktail made for this event, such as the Kentucky reserve featuring 1972 small batch bourbon and a Luxardo cherry.
3. The Jimani
141 Chartres St., (504) 524-0493
The Jimani sits as a slice of New Orleans history and hosts the perfect balance of dive and historical bar for derby day. Keeping it classic, the Jimani has maintained its title as one of the best sports bars in the city by sticking to the basics: cold beer, good music, satellite sports, and a grill. With delicious food such as crawfish pasta, their specialty wings, and over 100 beers available, this place is guaranteed to be packed for the derby.
4. Lakeview Harbor
8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 486-4887
Specializing in seafood and your favorite Southern bar bites, Lakeview Harbor is a local favorite for events of any kind. From the laid-back atmosphere with multiple large screen TVs to their tasty menu featuring their pork belly burnt ends, Lakeview is a great chill spot to kickback and catch the race. Enjoy specialty cocktails such as the Green Monster, which combines rum, melon liqueur, and brandy as you enjoy the lakeside breeze.
5. High Grace NOLA
733 St. Peter St., (504) 218-5649
This contemporary dive bar, located at the heart of the French Quarter, is the perfect combination of upscale and casual. Offering handcrafted cocktails such as their Famous Trial by Fire, a tequila and passionfruit drink that is set on fire, High Grace provides a lively ambiance perfect for placing bets or cheering on your chosen horse through the screen. With special beat the clock deals each Saturday, the earlier you start, the cheaper your drinks will be, which is perfect for derby day.
6. Lots of Luck Lounge
203 Homedale St., (504) 483-0978
This laid back bar is the perfectly casual setting to catch the game. With outside food allowed and plenty of screens for game viewing, Lots A Luck Tavern is a great dive with a gorgeous courtyard and endless bar games available including darts, pool and mini golf. Invite some friends and family, sip on a good drink, and cheer on your favorite horse as the race takes place.
7. Drago's
3232 N. Arnoult Rd, Metairie., (504) 888-9254
As the original creators of the chargrilled oyster, Drago's is a great place to enjoy the derby while just outside of town. With a variety of small bites including firecracker shrimp and crabmeat au gratin, as well as the endless seafood entrées available, enjoy a quality meal while you watch the derby on one of Drago's big screens. Make sure to also get the blackened gator tacos or the crawfish étouffée.
8. Patrick's Bar Vin
730 Bienville St., (504) 200-3180
Patrick's Bar Vin is an elegant wine bar located in the Hotel Mazarin with an old-timey atmosphere and historic courtyard. With a wide selections of wines, beers, and specialty cocktails, Patrick's ensures that there is something for everyone. Whether you are craving a glass of wine or one of their specialty cocktails such as the French Sangria or Bar Vin Kiss, which is a shot of champagne of your choice. Pair a cheese or charcuterie plate with your wine to share with the table and enjoy the upscale ambiance.
9. Le Bon Temps Roule
4801 Magazine St., (504) 897-3448
Open 24 hours and offering burgers and sandwiches, Le Bon Temps Roulé is a local hotspot for live music, community events, and late nights. Try their blackened mahi sandwich complete with your classic sandwich fixings and a lime chipotle dill cream sauce, or order one of the delicious Roule burgers featuring pepper sauce and pepper jack cheese. With the derby beginning around 12 p.m. CT, their specialty house Bloody Mary is the perfect drink to start your derby day without last night's hangover.
10. The Channel
2604 Magazine St., (504) 381-4680
The Channel is an Irish pub serving classic NOLA bar bites such as a fried shrimp po-boy and loaded potato skins. With ample space and endless TV's showing the event, The Channel is a local favorite for sports of all kinds, as well as for their hot honey fried chicken sandwich. Place your bets, have a pitcher of beer, and enjoy the race at this perfect pub located on Magazine Street. With outdoor seating available, the Channel is welcome to all and is a family-friendly spot for your derby day enjoyment.
Kentucky Derby While in NOLA
Whether you are looking for the best dive with an electric aura to drink and cheer on your favorite horses or looking for something more sophisticated, look no further. Enjoy New Orleans specialty cocktails and delicious cuisine while watching one of the most anticipated sporting events nationally at one of these carefully selected bars.
